Image: Santagada; www.marcruehl.com / Use of this image is free of charge in connection with reporting on Baden Galopp
Press release
Big Week, August 29–September 6, 2026, in Baden-Baden • Iffezheim:
Sixth Group Victory for Santagada in the T. von Zastrow Fillies' Stakes
Baden-Baden-Iffezheim, September 5, 2026 (MH) – For a racehorse from Germany to win her sixth Group race is likely one of the rarities of recent history. This feat was accomplished by Santagada (4.8:1), a four-year-old daughter of Soldier Hollow trained by Peter Schiergen in Cologne for Gestüt Park Wiedingen, in front of 12,500 spectators on Saturday in the T. von Zastrow Stutenpreis (Group II, 70,000 euros, 2,400 m). One of the very best fillies of recent years—who had been beaten below her true ability here last year when she finished fourth, as her stablemate Egina had stepped up to the plate—distinguished herself with a brilliant performance in this highlight on a sunny fourth day of the “Grosse Woche” at the racetrack in Baden-Baden-Iffezheim.
It wasn’t until the final meters that it became clear the 40,000-euro prize money would go to the account of Santagada’s owner—a horse bred by the Höny-Hof stud farm. For a long time, the odds favored the massive long shot Innora, who kept pulling further and further ahead. But when jockey Bauyrzhan Murzabayev found an opening on Santagada midway down the stretch, the co-favorite powered through and demonstrated her immense class. Winning comfortably by a length in her 15th start, she claimed her eighth career victory and increased her total winnings to 280,830 euros.
Underdogs on the courts
In a thrilling finale, the French horse Light the Ghost—on whom hardly anyone had bet—became increasingly dominant and edged out Innora, who had also started at very high odds, by the narrowest of margins to take third place. The favorite, Calasita, racing for the Aga Khan Studs, finished only in fourth place, but she had too much ground to make up after starting from last place. Night Breath, who had attracted more attention, had to drop out early despite starting from an ideal position.
VOICES:
Bauyrzhan Murzabayev (Santagada’s jockey): “We had a great race along the way, but at first there was no opening on the home stretch. Santagada really picked up the pace and proved her class once again.”
Peter Schiergen (Santagada's coach): “Santagada has a huge heart and fought like a lioness once again. The victory is more than well-deserved.”
Helmut von Finck (owner of Santagada): “The race was very emotional. With 300 meters to go, I was almost at my wit’s end when no gap opened up at first. Then she pulled slightly ahead. It’s unbelievable that she won another group race today after such a great finish. A year ago, Santagada didn’t have a good race here—she finished fourth. I think that race was also very thrilling for the spectators. That was pure racing. She’s entered in the Prix de l’Opera, the Arc, and the Prix de l’Europe.”
Crispin de Moubray (owner of Light the Ghost): “The mare hadn’t raced in a long time and actually prefers softer ground. And it was her first start over 2,400 meters. I’m extremely satisfied. It might sound a bit bold, but the Arc could be the next goal.”
Henk Grewe (Innora's trainer): “She’s amazing and always bounces back. A truly great horse. We’ll see what we do next—the plan is definitely to take her to an auction at the end of the year.”
Clement Lecoeuvre (Calasita’s jockey): “Unfortunately, she was severely hampered in the final stretch and was beaten well below her true ability. I believe we would have won if the race had gone smoothly.”
2026 Baden Galopp Racing Schedule:
Big week:
Saturday, August 29
Sunday, August 30
Tuesday, September 1
Saturday, September 5
Sunday, September 6
Sales & Racing Festival:
Friday, October 16
Sunday, October 18
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Andre Lott
Press contact
Baden Galopp GmbH & Co. KG
Rennbahnstr. 16
76473 Iffezheim
Tel: +49 1736755151
www.badengalopp.de
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Company headquarters: Iffezheim
Mannheim Local Court: HRA 708774
Represented by Baden Galopp Verwaltungs GmbH
Company headquarters: Iffezheim
Mannheim Local Court: HRB 3821
Managing Director: Stephan Buchner
